LOL a cheap plastic clad oil-less compressor with no performance specs?

 

I had a $50 compressor go up in flames in front of me, and a reliable little $20 compressor 1 (I know really should have 2) bottle of fix-a-flat, jack, multiple flashlights and rear warning devices (Chem sticks reflectors) A CB a Cell phone and AAA card

 

Thats all you need right there

 

My Mini Cooper came with the Mobility kit included, though it also came with runflats. I thought they were standard issue for north american models?

 

I am not sure you are right about that. Based on what I read, I think that orange portion of the Conti kit contains their version of slime. And you buy refills that you plug in. I might be wrong though. Can anyone who has it confirm or deny this?

 

First, you have to compare apples to apples. Not sure how the Slime kit works but MINI mobility requires you to remove the valve first, then inject the gunk, then put the valve core back in and inflate.

The conti kit you just plug in the compressor and turn it on. No messing with the valve core

Yes, once you use the goop in the Conti kit, just plug in a refill http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...eplmtparts.jsp

 

Rather than use Slime with the compressor, you can get a Dynaplug which allows you to insert a plug into the puncture which seals the hole. You then use the compressor to inflate to proper tire pressure. The Slime is a last resort. Check out the Dynaplug (www. dynaplug.com.) It costs about $25.00 and has received excellent reviews. I purchased one of these along with a compressor for emergencies that might crop up.

Jake

 

provided there's signal and a current sticker on your card, yup

 

I was referring to the MINI Mobility Kit. Half of the box is for storing the cord and air tube, and the other half must be for the motor, so you have to stow the goop separately.

 

Well, not that anyone asked, but I have:
* The $20 Slime/compressor kit (and I've had similar cheapo crappy compressors last for years of intermittant use... it's not like I expect to use it more than 2-3 times EVER).
* Dynaplug kit
* Plain old fashioned sticky plug kit with reamer
* Pliers to pull the offending impaler (I expect to NEVER use the slime. If one of the plug kits won't work, slime won't either - unless I've developed a bead leak, or I can't find the leak, etc.)
* AAA card
* Mini Roadside Assistance card (and placard)
* Cell phone (which won't work in MANY locations in the US - if you can see an antelope or prarie dog or tarantula, good odds that they'll be dining on your carcass before the cell phone gets you saved )

And I don't have to look at this stuff when I open the boot, because it's all concealed (along with my portable detailing gear) in a nice smallish black duffle...

 

RKW,

You are correct about the Conti kit containing the latex material. If you check out the copy supplied by Conti, the cost is $25 for a replacement of the sealer, hose, and adaptor. Using the contents of the sealer necessitates replacing all of the parts the sealer comes in contact with. The sealer is contained in the Conti compressor. You can use the compressor to inflate a tire without activating the sealer.

When I originally looked into this, it made more sense to me to use the Dynaplug to repair the puncture rather than use Slime. However, there may be occasions when the plug is just not sufficient and Slime has to be used. Right now I can't think of a situation where the Slime would replace Dynaplug, however, there is always the possibly of that happening. Others may have a different take on using Slime. Once you use Slime I don't know how difficult it is to remove it from the inner rim.

 

it's a ton of work. most shops won't want to deal with it. any sealer is a last resort.

 

Since I took this picture, I can tell you that the slime bottle will not fit in the compressor. The space on the left side barely fits the cords, while the right side is reserved for the compressor motor and components. The compressor tucks nicely along side of the jack kit while the bottle of slime fits nicely next to the disc changer pre-out behind the removable flap. The compressor even has little cushions on one side so it doesn't rattle or scrape against the plastic in the boot.

 

Your point about the cell phone is valid. Thats why people are starting to buy sat phones .... about $500, one time purchase and just an emergency use package

As to the pliers. I watched the demonstration on the web site and they used needle nose pliers

However, I have had two flats in two different cars where the nail was so embedded, the head gone, and the nail embedded BELOW the tire surface. No way were they coming out with pliers.

IF you used the tool, you would push the nail through into the tire

In both of those cases, it was a very slow leak and goop would have been the answer?

Correct of not?

 

Here's the perfect example: I would be dead if I didn't own a MINI
It was the runflats that carried him to safety.

 

I've plugged a number of times and never had one of these "stealthy" nails/screws you describe - but understand how that's possible. Yeah, that's probably a case for slime if you can't just air it up with the compressor and limp to the tire shop (which is what I'd try first)... I have plain old slip joints and have always been successful pulling the offender with them. But there's always a first time for everything.